Antennas

[mmckenna]

Gotcha how would you compare the compactenna scanner antenna on 800mhz to the Motorola haf4013

I couldn't, never owned either one.

The low profile 800MHz antennas work OK, about the same as a 1/4 wave. Personally, I think the 1/4 wave whip is a lot less conspicuous than the low profile antennas.
Just about any place I've ever needed an 800MHz mobile antenna I've used the 1/4 wave. Durable, inexpensive and works well.

If you are going for looks, there's a huge jump between a single band 800MHz antenna and the Compactenna. The Compactennas are about the size of a can of beer sitting on your roof. It's not going to be low profile by any means, an I'm not sure how one would stand up to any sort of low tree branch strike.

 

[mmckenna]

the Motorola haf4013

I have removed a few of those at work. Issue I found was that the base separates from the cover. Replaced them with the standard 1/4 wave and haven't had any issues.

Never quite understood why those types of antennas were referred to as "Low Profile" when the 1/4 wave is a lot less noticeable.

 

[lcat06]

I have removed a few of those at work. Issue I found was that the base separates from the cover. Replaced them with the standard 1/4 wave and haven't had any issues.

Never quite understood why those types of antennas were referred to as "Low Profile" when the 1/4 wave is a lot less noticeable.

Okay can you give me some examples of these Liek specific models? What about tribands?

 

[lcat06]

I couldn't, never owned either one.

The low profile 800MHz antennas work OK, about the same as a 1/4 wave. Personally, I think the 1/4 wave whip is a lot less conspicuous than the low profile antennas.
Just about any place I've ever needed an 800MHz mobile antenna I've used the 1/4 wave. Durable, inexpensive and works well.

If you are going for looks, there's a huge jump between a single band 800MHz antenna and the Compactenna. The Compactennas are about the size of a can of beer sitting on your roof. It's not going to be low profile by any means, an I'm not sure how one would stand up to any sort of low tree branch strike.

That’s what I’m worried about do you know of any good triband small whip antennas that are low profile and have good performance and can stand up to a tree branch?

 

[mmckenna]

That’s what I’m worried about do you know of any good triband small whip antennas that are low profile and have good performance and can stand up to a tree branch?

"Low profile" is going to be the issue for you. You cannot cram a 19" long VHF whip into a 3" tall can and get any sort of performance.

If you want a durable tri band antenna that is going to survive tree branch strikes, you need a whip, like the Larsen or EM Wave I linked to. There are other brands, but those are two that I've been using for years on top of full size trucks in the exact sort of applications where they contact tree branches or low parking garages.

I've got an order in for a Sinclair tri band antenna, but it hasn't arrived yet. Mobile omni whip antenna, rugged design, tri-band covering 136-960 MHz

Motorola sells the rebadged version of this PCTel tri band antenna. I do NOT recommend these. Our county tried them for a while and they snapped off at the base from tree branch strikes. Not even remotely low profile.

Motorola AN000131A02 All Band Mobile VHF/UHF 700/800 MHz Antenna

Motorola AN000131A02 Tri-Band 136-174/4380-520/698-870 MHz Mobile Antenna - 22 in - NMO - Spring Base - 17 ft Low-Loss Coax Cable - Connector Choice

theantennafarm.com

This was the replacement antenna from PCTel, Motorola sells a rebadged version of it:

PCTEL PCTWSLMR-2 Ultra-Flexible - Ultra Heavy Duty Wide Spectrum Mobile Antenna VHF/UHF/700/800 - 136-174 MHz / 380-520 MHz / 698-960 MHz - NMO - Spring Base

PCTEL PCTWSLMR-2 Ultra-Flexible - Ultra Heavy Duty Wide Spectrum Mobile Antenna VHF/UHF/700/800 - 136-174 MHz / 380-520 MHz / 698-960 MHz - NMO - Spring Base

theantennafarm.com

The spring is very 'floppy' and I ran one of these on my work truck for a grand total of 15 minutes before I removed it. Every pothole, bump, etc. would result in loud thumping as the antenna/spring flopped around on the roof.

You can do something like a Sti-Co, but they are expensive. Not really low profile, but might blend in as an AM/FM antenna:

STI-CO TB-V/U/C-EAN-SP Euro-Style Mobile Antenna 136-174, 406-512 & 760-870 MHz Roof Mount Antenna - Flexible Mast - 17ft RG-58 - Connector Choice

STI-CO TB-V/U/C-EAN-SP Euro-Style Mobile Antenna 136-174, 406-512 & 760-870 MHz Roof Mount Antenna - Flexible Mast - 17ft RG-58 - Connector Choice

theantennafarm.com

STI-CO SKFN-TB-V/U/C-EAN-SP Stealth Tri-Band Antenna 130-174/406-520/760-870 MHz Roof Mount Antenna - Flexi-Whip™ For Maximum Durability - 10 in

STI-CO SKFN-TB-V/U/C-EAN-SP Stealth Tri-Band Antenna130-174/406-520/760-870 MHz Roof Mount Antenna - Flexi-Whip™ For Maximum Durability - 10 in

theantennafarm.com

 

[lcat06]

"Low profile" is going to be the issue for you. You cannot cram a 19" long VHF whip into a 3" tall can and get any sort of performance.

If you want a durable tri band antenna that is going to survive tree branch strikes, you need a whip, like the Larsen or EM Wave I linked to. There are other brands, but those are two that I've been using for years on top of full size trucks in the exact sort of applications where they contact tree branches or low parking garages.

I've got an order in for a Sinclair tri band antenna, but it hasn't arrived yet. Mobile omni whip antenna, rugged design, tri-band covering 136-960 MHz

Motorola sells the rebadged version of this PCTel tri band antenna. I do NOT recommend these. Our county tried them for a while and they snapped off at the base from tree branch strikes. Not even remotely low profile.

Motorola AN000131A02 All Band Mobile VHF/UHF 700/800 MHz Antenna

Motorola AN000131A02 Tri-Band 136-174/4380-520/698-870 MHz Mobile Antenna - 22 in - NMO - Spring Base - 17 ft Low-Loss Coax Cable - Connector Choice

theantennafarm.com

This was the replacement antenna from PCTel, Motorola sells a rebadged version of it:

PCTEL PCTWSLMR-2 Ultra-Flexible - Ultra Heavy Duty Wide Spectrum Mobile Antenna VHF/UHF/700/800 - 136-174 MHz / 380-520 MHz / 698-960 MHz - NMO - Spring Base

PCTEL PCTWSLMR-2 Ultra-Flexible - Ultra Heavy Duty Wide Spectrum Mobile Antenna VHF/UHF/700/800 - 136-174 MHz / 380-520 MHz / 698-960 MHz - NMO - Spring Base

theantennafarm.com

The spring is very 'floppy' and I ran one of these on my work truck for a grand total of 15 minutes before I removed it. Every pothole, bump, etc. would result in loud thumping as the antenna/spring flopped around on the roof.

You can do something like a Sti-Co, but they are expensive. Not really low profile, but might blend in as an AM/FM antenna:

STI-CO TB-V/U/C-EAN-SP Euro-Style Mobile Antenna 136-174, 406-512 & 760-870 MHz Roof Mount Antenna - Flexible Mast - 17ft RG-58 - Connector Choice

STI-CO TB-V/U/C-EAN-SP Euro-Style Mobile Antenna 136-174, 406-512 & 760-870 MHz Roof Mount Antenna - Flexible Mast - 17ft RG-58 - Connector Choice

theantennafarm.com

STI-CO SKFN-TB-V/U/C-EAN-SP Stealth Tri-Band Antenna 130-174/406-520/760-870 MHz Roof Mount Antenna - Flexi-Whip™ For Maximum Durability - 10 in

STI-CO SKFN-TB-V/U/C-EAN-SP Stealth Tri-Band Antenna130-174/406-520/760-870 MHz Roof Mount Antenna - Flexi-Whip™ For Maximum Durability - 10 in

theantennafarm.com

Yeah I am probably going do this for the scanner antenna lmk which you think is the best choice: compactenna tri band on front fender (lip mount), Larsen tri band on front fender, Larsen tri band on roof, compactenna on a ditch light bracket

 

[prcguy]

Gotcha how would you compare the compactenna scanner antenna on 800mhz to the Motorola haf4013

I think the COMPACtenna might work better.

 

[lcat06]

I think the COMPACtenna might work better.

I agree would a front fender mount be a poor location?

 

[prcguy]

I agree would a front fender mount be a poor location?

Do you mean on the fender like drill a hole or at the back side edge of the hood near the cowl using a trunk lip mount?

 

[lcat06]

Do you mean on the fender like drill a hole or at the back side edge of the hood near the cowl using a trunk lip mount?

Trunk lip mount

 

[prcguy]

Trunk lip mount

That's what I use on my Jeep pickup truck and its working well for me.

 

[ladn]

I have a icon 2730a what is the rnage on this? Where would you mount the scanner antenna and the ham antenna

I have a 2730A in my 4Runner. My scanner antenna is near the rear of the vehicle close to the shark fin and the ham antenna (either a 19" whip or a Larsen 2/70) is mounted forward of the rack rail. Most of my 2730's channels are programmed for mid-power--I only use high power if I'm in a fringe area.

 

[lcat06]

I have a 2730A in my 4Runner. My scanner antenna is near the rear of the vehicle close to the shark fin and the ham antenna (either a 19" whip or a Larsen 2/70) is mounted forward of the rack rail. Most of my 2730's channels are programmed for mid-power--I only use high power if I'm in a fringe area.

Gotcha do you think I could put the ham antenna on a lip mount on the hood… wanting it to look like fm antenna. My area is pretty good with reception for my scanner still unsure though about putting a scanner antenna on my roof what antenna do you have?

 

[lcat06]

I had a hustler antenna mag mount but when I went to use it, the swr was through the roof so you know why possibly

 

[ladn]

Gotcha do you think I could put the ham antenna on a lip mount on the hood… wanting it to look like fm antenna. My area is pretty good with reception for my scanner still unsure though about putting a scanner antenna on my roof what antenna do you have?

Yes, but it will be dependent on the curvature of the hood if you use and edge mount. You could also use an "L" bracket that fastens to the inside of your fender well or firewall. They look like this:

Fender Bracket Mounts | The Antenna Farm

Are you looking for the best Fender Bracket mounts for sale? Shop them all today at The Antenna Farm.

theantennafarm.com

I don't know what you are using for the ham antenna, but I (and others) will recommend using an NMO mount antenna. It's as close to "industry standard" as you are likely to find. I like the Pulse Larsen NMO 2/70 (about 36") or a 19" whip. Buy a quality NMO mount, too. Larsen or PCTel are good. Avoid Browning or brands you can't pronounce.

If you want a true disguise antenna, try Stico (Products - Covert Operations - Page 1 - STI-CO).

 

[lcat06]

Stico is very expensive but I think they are good quality. I’m wondering if having a hood/fender mount will ruin my swr? Could I get a dual band stico antenna and use one band for ham and the other band for my sds100 to scan police

Yes, but it will be dependent on the curvature of the hood if you use and edge mount. You could also use an "L" bracket that fastens to the inside of your fender well or firewall. They look like this:

View attachment 184614

Fender Bracket Mounts | The Antenna Farm

Are you looking for the best Fender Bracket mounts for sale? Shop them all today at The Antenna Farm.

theantennafarm.com

I don't know what you are using for the ham antenna, but I (and others) will recommend using an NMO mount antenna. It's as close to "industry standard" as you are likely to find. I like the Pulse Larsen NMO 2/70 (about 36") or a 19" whip. Buy a quality NMO mount, too. Larsen or PCTel are good. Avoid Browning or brands you can't pronounce.

If you want a true disguise antenna, try Stico (Products - Covert Operations - Page 1 - STI-CO).

 

[mmckenna]

Stico is very expensive but I think they are good quality.

They are, and they are worth it. However, it's still a compromise mount.

I’m wondering if having a hood/fender mount will ruin my swr?

You won't get as low an SWR reading as you would if mounted on a perfect ground plane. This is where the "compromise mount" comes in. It's a trade off of function versus looks. You are the one that has to decide wether performance or looks is more important to you. We can't answer that.

Could I get a dual band stico antenna and use one band for ham and the other band for my sds100 to scan police

If you are using a dual band VHF/UHF ham radio, then no, not really. You need two separate antennas. One dedicated for the scanner to allow it to use all it's frequency capability, and one dedicated for the ham radio so it can use it's full frequency capability. Trying to use something like a diplexer will result in the band pass function blocking certain bands from one of the radios.

 

[lcat06]

They are, and they are worth it. However, it's still a compromise mount.



You won't get as low an SWR reading as you would if mounted on a perfect ground plane. This is where the "compromise mount" comes in. It's a trade off of function versus looks. You are the one that has to decide wether performance or looks is more important to you. We can't answer that.



If you are using a dual band VHF/UHF ham radio, then no, not really. You need two separate antennas. One dedicated for the scanner to allow it to use all it's frequency capability, and one dedicated for the ham radio so it can use it's full frequency capability. Trying to use something like a diplexer will result in the band pass function blocking certain bands from one of the radios.

Gotcha is having a vehicle scanner antenna really necessary? I get ham but the coverage is good in my area but I’m not sure when I travel. Any recommendations?

 

[mmckenna]

Gotcha is having a vehicle scanner antenna really necessary? I get ham but the coverage is good in my area but I’m not sure when I travel. Any recommendations?

My opinion after almost 30 years of doing two way radio as a career: I will always install an external antenna for my two way radios.

Only you can decide if the limited performance of having a scanner sitting inside your vehicle with no external antenna is 'good enough'. You can do that right now. Stick the scanner in your car without an external antenna and drive around and see how it performs:
1. It works well enough for you? YOU shouldn't install an external antenna on YOUR car.
2. If does not work well enough for you? YOU should install an external antenna on YOUR car.

If you use quality name brand antenna mount, coaxial cable cut to length, coaxial connector properly installed, and a quality antenna suitable for the frequencies you want to listen to, then you will see a large improvement in scanner performance.

To me, it's a easy answer.

 

[merlin]

I second mmckenna's suggestion.
With scanning, you want a broad coverage which is inverse to gain but if you can get 2 Db or better you are good to go.
Best performance will be multiple antennas (VHF, UHF, 7/800) Then combine them with preamp. The expensive route